Introduction

Just 4km from the town of Cochrane, the national park Reserva Nacional Tamango o Lago Cochrane is a small gem in Chilean Patagonia. Famous due to the huemuls (South Andean deer) that inhabit the area, this reserve is an unmissable chance to go deep into the forests and Patagonian steppe, as well as a chance to see beautiful and varied fauna.

The Carpinteros route starts at the park entrance and is approx. 4.2km in distance. On the way you will come to a camping area where you can stay if you wish to better explore this wonderful place. The route leads through varying types of vegetation: areas with low bushes; areas of young trees and dense Coigüe tree forests. What’s more, the entire route follows the crystalline waters of the River Cochrane, and offers incredible views of Lake Cochrane. 325km² in size, it is a binational lake shared between Chile and Argentina, known in Argentina as Lake Pueyrredón.

The excursion takes between 3 and 5 hours (there and back), and is completed by dozens of persons each day, among them many foreigners looking for adventure in Patagonia.

Appropriate season

The park is open all year round, but we recommend that you visit in Spring and Summer when the temperatures are higher, and access to Cochrane is easier.

Access

Cochrane – Reserva Nacional Tamango

From the main square, Plaza de Armas, in Cochrane to the Reserva Nacional Tamango is approx. 3.5km. Head northeast towards the Artisan Market in the town. When you reach this point, follow signpost which leads to a dirt track which will take you northeast (left). Continue along this road for approx. 2.5km until you reach the reserve where you will need to register and pay the entrance fee. You can park alongside the Conaf guardpoint. There is no public transport to the reserve.

Permits / Prices

The entrance fees are: Chilean adult CLP$2000 ((USD$ 4), Chilean child CLP$500 (USD$ 1), foreign adult CLP$4000 (USD$ 8), foreign child CLP$1500 (USD$ 3).

Accommodation / Facilities

The reserve offers different areas for camping. For this route, you can camp at the end of the Carpinteros route, as well as in the jetty located 500m for the reserve entrance

Recommendations

• Keep a camera to hand. The fact that there are huemul and other species of animal in the area makes it important to always be ready to take photos.
• If you have more time and are in good physical condition, we recommend that you join this route to that of Los Coigües, which continues to the east.

Gear

• Trekking boots or high-ankle boots.
• Comfortable clothing, windbreaker and hat, gloves, etc. to keep warm.
• Sun-glasses, sun protection.
• Trekking poles (optional).

Schedule

1. Cochrane – Carpinteros Route – Cochrane